Owning a home is no easy feat. You’re responsible for yard work, maintenance and any unexpected problems. For example, hail from severe storms might cause roof damage. Because of this, it’s essential that you know how to file a hail damage roof insurance claim.
There’s a lot that goes into filing hail damage roof insurance claims, but this helpful guide will walk you through the steps. You must ensure you have the right insurance coverage, follow every step of the submission process, meet with adjusters and hire contractors to do the repairs. Depending on your deductible and the type of policy you have, this can cost a pretty penny.
Read more below to discover what hail damage roof insurance is and how you can qualify.
What is Hail Damage Roof Insurance?
A lot of steps are involved in the process of getting a new roof through insurance. Before discussing the necessary procedures, it’s essential to determine what roof insurance from hail damage is. Most insurance companies cover damage to the dwelling and roof; hail insurance simply means the damage was caused by hail.
Partial vs. Full Coverage Roof Insurance Plans
You should know that various policies offer different levels of coverage.
Most insurance agencies offer partial or full coverage (aka roof replacement vs. roof repair) for damage caused by hail. Some insurers will offer “actual cash value” for a hail-damaged roof, which is a partial coverage option. Under this policy, the insurance agency will only give you money to pay for a specific portion of the impaired roof. Below is an example of this plan.
If an inspector notes that only ten shingles were hit by hail or wind, you’ll receive the cash equivalent of ten shingles. Although “actual cash value” policies cost less in the short term, you end up spending more in the long run because you might not receive the necessary funds for the entirety of the repairs.
You can also purchase roof replacement coverage. This is an ideal choice if you live in a hail-prone area or your roof is new. Roof replacement coverage indicates that the whole roof will be replaced.
Sometimes, insurers recommend a replacement even if you don’t have this policy. Older roofs with multiple hail strikes will likely be replaced because the damage proves too much for a simple fix.
Another incident when replacement is needed is if the original materials are no longer available. Hardware stores might not carry slate tiles sold in the 1980s anymore, so a complete replacement is necessary.
Watch Out for Those Deductibles
Insurance companies often have higher deductibles for wind and hail damage. A deductible is an amount you’re responsible for before the policy kicks in. Three additional pieces of information to remember include:
- You can add flood insurance if that occurs in your area.
- Lack of maintenance isn’t covered by any policy. If you neglect to care for your roof, it’s improbable that you’ll be eligible for a replacement.
- There’s a chance your premium will increase depending on your policy.
Now that we’ve discussed the different policies available and expected deductibles, let’s go through a step-by-step guide on the roof insurance claim process. Who’s ready?
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Step-By-Step Guide Through the Roof Insurance Claim Process
So, you know what policies are available to you and what’s not covered by insurance. Now what? Let’s overview the steps of processing a claim.
Step 1: Document the Damage
The first step in starting a hail damage roof insurance claim or a roof insurance claim for wind is to document the damage. Remember, be as thorough as you can! Take pictures of every broken shingle, leak, or misplaced layering. Videos are another great way to keep track of the impairments caused by hail. Be careful while you’re up on the roof!
Step 2: Get Estimates from Local Contractors
After assessing the damage, it’s vital to contact multiple contractors in the area to get different quotes. Receiving multiple estimates is vital because one might end up agreeing with the adjuster’s findings and one might not. You also want to make sure you work with a trusted company that knows what they’re doing. Whatever you do, don’t have a contractor begin work before meeting with the adjuster. This might impact your claim!
Step 3: Schedule the Meeting and File the Claim
Submitting a hail damage roof insurance claim can be frustrating. Why? Insurance companies use industry jargon to try and confuse you. For this reason, it’s important to document every conversation you have with them! (Are you noticing a theme here?)
Tell them about the damage with your policy number in hand. From there, an insurer should discuss your coverage and next steps—one of which is scheduling a meeting with an inspector. Be sure to submit the claim in a timely manner. Some states have regulations on how long you have from the initial damage date to submit the claim.
Step 4: Meet with the Inspector
So, you’ve scheduled the meeting, and now the inspector’s on their way! Here’s what you should do and what to expect:
- Attend the meeting to ensure they don’t miss anything.
- Document or ask for an electronic copy of everything said during the inspection and request a copy of the claim.
- Understand your coverage and ask questions if you’re unsure.
- Be honest about the damage and don’t try to falsely get money.
- Avoid implying self-blame; hail and wind caused the damage, not you.
Let’s say that the inspector gives you a lower estimate than you thought. There are things you can do if you disagree with them. First, review the documents and try to understand the numbers being presented. If you’re sure something is off, call the insurance agency and request a re-examination.
Step 5: Hire a Contractor to do the Work
The final step in filing a hail damage roof insurance claim is to hire a contractor to begin the work. Look back at your documents to compare the various estimates. Remember, don’t make your decisions solely on cost. One business that’s more cost-effective might produce lesser quality work. Establishing a timeline is also important. Choose a contractor with a timetable that fits your schedule and needs.
So, those are the basics of filing a roof insurance claim caused by hail. It sounds like such a hassle, right? What if you didn’t have to go through the process alone? There’s something you can do to relieve yourself of the burden.
How Renowned Building Solutions Simplifies the Process
Renowned Building Solutions will take care of everything for you. That’s right; we handle storm damage claims for our clients. We’ll do an initial inspection with video and give you a clear explanation of the damages. Then, assuming you qualify, we’ll help you file the claim. Can you believe it? We’ll deal with pesky insurers so you can avoid the headache.
After we agree upon a settlement, we’ll start planning for the repairs. You’ll get to choose the materials and colors used for the project. Finally, we’ll complete the job within 1-2 days, and we’re always available if you need help down the line! If you’re in Illinois or Wisconsin area, look at our online portfolio to see before and after photos. Our pictures speak for themselves!
We understand that your plate is full. Between work and family obligations, it’s amazing you have any time to fit something else into your schedule. For this reason, Renowned Building Solutions handles the nitty-gritty. We’ll perform the first inspection, file the claim, and meet with the adjuster. On top of that, we’ll take care of your renovations in a timely manner. With over 10 years of experience, we’ll take the time to ensure everything’s done correctly.
Contact us if you suspect you have hail damage on your roof! We’ll relieve you of the stress that comes with filing a claim. We provide our comprehensive services to Wisconsin towns like Watertown and Waukesha, as well as Illinois towns like Cary, Woodstock and Crystal Lake – and so much more!
